NEW YORK -- The Brooklyn Nets (26-56) had just one game left on their schedule and it was a fitting game to possibly win as they were welcoming the New York Knicks (51-31) to Barclays Center. However, Brooklyn came into the game with a myriad of injuries and with the Knicks still playing some guys in their rotation, the Nets did not achieve their desired outcome.
The Nets lost to the Knicks 113-105 in the regular-season finale as the game got away from Brooklyn in the third quarter thanks to their offense going cold in the period. Trendon Watford stuffed the stat sheet with 20 points, seven rebounds, four assists, two steals, and one block while Tyrese Martin had 20 points and seven rebounds in what was the last game of the season for Brooklyn.
Landry Shamet led the way for the Knicks as he put up 29 points and two rebounds in 40 minutes off the bench while Cam Payne had 21 points and seven assists in 34 minutes as one of the starters. Here are the Nets player grades following Sunday's loss to the Knicks to end the season:
Tyrese Martin: B
Martin had one of his best games of the season as his shot was falling in this one against a Knicks team that rested most of its rotation players. With Brooklyn missing eight players of their own, Martin was able to start at point guard and he showed off some of the shotmaking that made him interesting to monitor as the year went on if he could be a more consistent shooter from three-point range.
Keon Johnson: B-
Johnson had a solid game for the Nets despite his shooting not being that efficient when considering how poorly he shot the ball from three. Johnson did a good job of attacking the rim and getting to the free-throw line so he was efficient in that regard, but he has had better days shooting the ball from the perimeter. Johnson did a great job of rebounding the basketball and he also mixed in some of his improved playmaking at the same time.
Jalen Wilson: A-
Wilson had one of his most efficient games of the season as he couldn't miss from behind the three-point line with each shot looking more confident than the last. Wilson made most of his impact from three-point land and as long as he is shooting the ball well, he will continue to make a difference on the offensive end.
Trendon Watford: B+
Watford had a solid outing for the Nets as he was able to get to the rim like he's been doing this entire season, no matter who is guarding him. Watford did not look for his shot beyond the three-point line, but with his ability to handle the ball and get into the paint off the dribble, he still makes enough of an offensive impact just with the pressure he puts on the rim.
Nic Claxton: C+
Claxton could have rested this game given how much he has played this season, especially through injury, but he suited up for this one and he did his job on the offensive end. If anything, Claxton was more aggressive on the offensive end than usual as he saw that ...
